If you’re an Instagram user and trying to build your business and brand, having the verified blue checkmark badge is valuable in ensuring your followers you are the legit and real deal. Previously, it wasn’t clear how exactly people would get the verified badge. Now, however, there is an official process to get a verified account. The company also announced expanded Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) abilities by adding support for third-party authenticator apps like 1Password.

Get Verified on Instagram

To get verified, launch Instagram on your phone and make sure you’re logged into the account you want the badge for. Then tap profile button in the lower-right corner of the screen and then the hamburger menu and Settings. ­Then tap the “Request Verification” option from the meu. You will need to enter in your username, full name and upload a photo of your state or government issued ID card, i.e. your driver’s license.

That’s all there is to it. Of course, there will be a wait while the company determines whether to give you the coveted verification badge. Keep in mind that everyone isn’t going to be verified. Instagram hasn’t released the official criteria it uses to give badges. But it’s safe to assume it will be reserved for celebrities, global brands, public figures and influencers with a large online following.

Improved Two-Factor Authentication

This week Instagram also announced other new features for security. The service already had implemented 2FA a couple years ago, but it only supported SMS-based verification. But now you can use popular authentication apps like 1Password and Google Authenticator. To enable a third-party app, go to Settings > Two-Factor Authentication and the company says: “Select “Authentication App” as your preferred form of authentication. If you already have an authentication app installed, we will automatically find the app and send a login code to it. Go to the app, retrieve the code and enter it on Instagram, and two-factor authentication will turn on automatically.”

Remember, you should be enabling 2FA everywhere it’s available as it adds an extra layer of security to your account. And with these new features, it will make the process of logging in to your account with 2FA enable an easier process. Instagram said both of these new features began rolling out this week and will be available to all users worldwide in the coming weeks.